6 reasons why you keep failing at your goals

I am very goal orientated, and I get a real kick out of deciding upon what I want to achieve in the New Year. I then absolutely love crossing things off when I have completed them. This list is created around the end of the year, and I refer back to it at regular intervals so that I can use it as a measuring stick for my progress.

Now, up until a couple of years ago this list was just that. A list. The year at the top of the page and then a list of all the things I wanted to accomplish. It will come to you as no surprise that some of the things on this list were then ‘carried over’ to the next year, and the next, and the next. In fact, I had one thing on my list that has been there for several years!!

As a coach I know only too well how to make goals but you know how it is, often it’s not the easiest thing to do to follow your own teaching…but then one year I did, and I achieved so much more. So, if you can relate to this and you are suffering from goal carry over, here are my top 6 reasons why you are failing at your goals.

1. You’re not specific enough

I was just writing the end goal on my list, without any thought on what I needed to do to get there. Be completely specific as to what success looks like and the steps you need to take to get there.

2. You need a deadline

Deadline’s are great, and just because you’ve made it yourself doesn’t mean you’re allowed to miss it. You are the most important person in your world, so your deadlines should be just as important as any that are imposed by anyone else.

3. You forget about them

It’s no good making some goals and then stuffing them in a drawer until the next new year. Don’t just leave them up to chance, put them where you can keep referring back to them throughout the year.

4. You need new habits

Some of your goals may require recurring actions. For example if you want to get fit, you’re going need to work out regularly. If you want to write a book, you’re going to need to write regularly. So, recognise that this is what it takes and that it’ll take about 30 days to create that habit. Build in that time each day to not only cement the habit, but to get to your goal.

5. They’re too big

Sometimes big goals can just seem, well too big. Split them up into smaller milestones and use these to work towards – don’t forget to give yourself a treat when you reach them.

6. You need to share them

I know you may want to keep them to yourself, but by telling someone about what you are working towards and giving them permission to ask you how you’re getting on, it’ll really spur you on.

So from now on my ‘list’ looks very different to what it once did, and I’m even more excited about achieving them and not having goals being carried over. I’d love to hear your thoughts and what goals you’ve set for yourself. Please feel free to share.